Question:
I'm 4 days post-op and I'd like some help...

When I talked to the anesthesiologist the morning of surgery, she told me to expect to wake up with a sore throat that could last about three days. When I woke up, I certainly had a sore throat (and still do) but also, it feels like there's a lump in the back of my throat, like my tonsils are swollen or just a flap of skin that didn't used to be there. This has been a problem because it is hard to talk without almost gagging, much less cough like my surgeon expects me to. Every time I cough, I feel it on the very back of my tongue and I try to in essence cough it out, but it's attached and causes me to gag. I know this sounds really icky, but I'm a little concerned. I told me surgeon and he said it's just a "sensation" and that I can get over it by coughing deeper. Don't think so!! Can anyone help me out here?? Also, is there anything I can take for this sore throat? I feel miserable trying to drink anything.    — mars.renee (posted on August 10, 2003)

August 10, 2003
Ok, just a guess and excuse the spelling - could your uvula be irritated? That's the hanging down thing in the back of your throat. Before I had my CPAP, I'd gag all morning because it was all swollen and dried out - sorry if this is gross! Maybe gargling with warm liquids before you cough. Good luck - I hope you find a solution.
   — JoSyrNY

August 10, 2003
I had that too. It was irritation and swelling from the tube down my throat. It eventually subsides - just don't mess with it too much!
   — MomBear2Cubs